Speaker
Abstract
Background: Air fresheners play a significant role in enhancing indoor air quality and personal hygiene. However, the increasing demand for eco-friendly and skin-compatible alternatives to synthetic products has directed attention toward plant-based formulations.
Objective(s): This study aimed to develop and evaluate ethereal oil-based nanoemulsion systems (AF1–AF6) incorporating myrtle, lemon, and lavender oils, targeting their use as natural air fresheners with added antimicrobial and dermatological benefits.
Materials and Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared via a microwave-assisted method using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams constructed from essential oils (0.25:0.5:0.25 % w/w), polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate and ethanol (0.75:0.25 % w/w), and distilled water. Six stable nanoemulsion formulations (AF1–AF6) were selected following thermodynamic stability tests and subsequently characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Further evaluations included organoleptic inspection, pH determination, viscosity and rheology analysis, skin irritation testing using rabbit models, and in vitro antimicrobial screening against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa then FTIR measurement. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05).
Results: All formulations demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties: droplet sizes within the nanometric range, low PDI values (0.19–0.32), and moderate zeta potentials (18.7–30.8 mV). The formulations were clear, stable, non-irritant, and maintained slightly acidic pH values (4.9–5.5), suitable for skin application. Rheological assessments indicated plastic (non-Newtonian) flow behavior, advantageous for topical use. The formulations exhibited the strongest antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Streptococcus pyogenes and stability and integrity of the AF6 according to FTIR analysis.
Conclusion: The AF1–AF6 nanoemulsion formulations offer promising potential as eco-friendly, effective, and dermatologically safe air fresheners, contributing to the advancement of sustainable personal care and hygiene products.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, Eco friendly air fresheners, Nanoemulsion, Microwaves based method.
